Genetic Modification of Cereals for Biofortification and Nutraceuticals

摘要

Plants play an important role in human nutrition as plant-based products form a major part of the human diet. Because most of the staple crops are poor sources of essential nutrients, plant-based diets often result in micronutrient deficiency therebyaffecting a large portion of the world population. These micronutrient deficiencies are known to have significant effects on human health especially in the developing world. Over the last decade, considerable research work has been done on studying the biosynthesis and storage of these nutraceutical compounds in crop plants. Various genetic modification approaches have been used to develop cereal varieties with improved nutrient profiles for human health. However, the role of these bio-fortified crops in improving human nutrition by combating hidden hunger still needs to be evaluated. This review article discusses the important achievements towards developing nutritionally contained cereals, with major emphasis on seed vitamins, minerals, PUFA contentand storage proteins composition as nutritional targets.